IN CELEBRATION of Nigeria’s 50 years of independence, Nigeria’s John Ikechukwu Okafor, aka Mr Ibu, and Alfred Ntombela of Mr Bones fame have a new movie out.

The two funnymen act in Ibu in Mzansi, a movie produced by the MCL Group of companies owned by two Nigerians and a South African.
Already released on DVD, it will be shown at the Africa Village at Zoo Lake on the days the Nigeria national soccer team will be playing in the World Cup.

Ntombela will make appearances at the Newtown fan park in Johannesburg.

Movie director Chuma Ebomuche said: “The movie boasts a strong ensemble cast that portrays the best of South African cinema coupled with talent of Nollywood. ”

He said the movie would help change people’s ideas and perceptions about Nigerian cinema.

Ibu in Mzansi begins in a rural village in Nigeria, where Ibu is a struggling husband who is sustained by his wife. He brings his wife and two children to South Africa for a better life.

In South Africa he meets King, played by Ntombela. King is a rich businessman who runs a tavern and then the “real games begin”.

An exhilarated Ntombela said he was happy to be working with someone as talented and versatile as Okafor.

“South Africans love Nigerian movies. The film will change the way people look at African films,” he said.

Meanwhile, a music festival is expected to start at the Zoo Lake today.

The festival, the line-up of which includes Nigerian and South African artists, is part of the Nigerian Project One Family. The line-up includes

Kelly Khumalo, Ntando, Yinka Ayefele, Shina Peters, Alariwo, Sunny Nneji, Yinka Davies and Tmac.

Comedians Gbenga Adeyimika and Mc Abbey will also be there as well as Nollihood Shan George, Paul Adams and Bob Manuel.